Solihull Council has unanimously agreed to assess whether a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is needed to address anti-social behaviour in the town centre, after a rare show of cross-party unity at the latest full council meeting. The motion, brought forward by the Conservative group, requested Councillor Wazma Qais, cabinet member for communities, to evaluate whether the statutory tests for a PSPO are met.
Background on PSPOs in Solihull
Solihull Council implemented its first PSPO last summer in Chelmsley Wood to combat anti-social behaviour, followed by a second order earlier this year to tackle illegal street racing near Birmingham Airport. A first breach of a PSPO results in a warning, with subsequent breaches leading to a fixed penalty notice of £100.
Introducing the motion, Councillor Heather Delaney noted that Solihull remains one of the safest boroughs in the West Midlands, with crime levels “well below many neighbouring areas.” She emphasised that anti-social behaviour incidents involve a small number of people but can have a “disproportionate effect” on public perception of safety. “This motion is not about talking Solihull down or suggesting we have a crime problem – we do not,” she said. “However, we should not ignore the concerns residents and businesses raise with us about anti-social behaviour.”
Cross-Party Support and Amendments
Discussions with the Green Party and Liberal Democrats led to an amendment that also considers youth engagement and opportunities for young people in the town centre. Councillor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green Group, stated: “We know partly what is driving this. It’s the gathering of dozens, sometimes hundreds of young people arranged in minutes on social media arriving with nothing planned and nowhere to be. That’s why the amendments are what matters on this.”
Liberal Democrat councillor James Bradley added: “I welcome the possible implementation of a PSPO because it will help protect the town centre and keep it as a space everyone can enjoy. We have had these large gatherings recently, primarily young people, coincidently not surprisingly in school holidays. I don’t think young people are coming out with the intention of engaging in anti-social behaviour; it’s really a lack of outlets for engaging with their friends socially.”
Council Decision and Next Steps
Councillors unanimously approved the amended motion at the meeting held at the Civic Suite on July 7. The council will now undertake an assessment to determine if a PSPO is appropriate, balancing enforcement with youth engagement initiatives to address the root causes of the gatherings.
